Colgate: Phony Toothpaste Poses Little Health Risk

By consumerist.comJune 15, 2007

Colgate has released a statement on the four-state counterfeit toothpaste scare, saying that the quantities of diethylene glycol (a chemical more often used to give flavor to antifreeze) are not high enough to pose a significant health risk. Diethylene glycol is the same chemical, sources say, found in toothpaste imported from China that was recalled just two weeks ago. According to MSNBC News, “consumers who have purchased 5-ounce toothpaste under the Colgate label can return them to the place of purchase” to get their ninety-nine cents back.

After all, it is mostly discount stores where these “SOUTH AFRLACAN“-based tubes can be found, and so far only New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania stores have turned up the cursed Colgate. —BRIAN FAIRBANKS